Rock Picking
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tnau664
Bronze Member
You can pull it, no problem. Just realize you will move a lot of topsoil along with the rocks. I usually put an angle on mine and build a wind row, then go back with loader to pick 'em up. It's slow, but beats the alternative.
Terry
Terry
OP
volunteer
Bronze Member
Thanks for info. Have a few additional questions.
As the soil up here is fairly dusty right now due to drought, should I wait until more rain or begin now? How deep into soil would you begin and is this something that would require multiple passes? Any other pointers appreciated.
As the soil up here is fairly dusty right now due to drought, should I wait until more rain or begin now? How deep into soil would you begin and is this something that would require multiple passes? Any other pointers appreciated.
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jbrumberg
Elite Member
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2006
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- 4,903
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- Cummington, MA
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- New Holland TC29DA, John Deere D130
Volunteer:
I would rather rake while it is dry and dusty, if the soil gets wet it may have a greater tendency to clump up while pulling the rake. In NE it is best to run the rake shallow due to the quantity of rocks
. Multiple sweeps will catch more debris and smooth things out more evenly. I agree with tnau664 about creating windrows of debris. You could also remove alternating tine teeth on the rake in order to allow more dirt/debris to "pass" through the times while catching the larger rocks (I have not done that.). Jay
I would rather rake while it is dry and dusty, if the soil gets wet it may have a greater tendency to clump up while pulling the rake. In NE it is best to run the rake shallow due to the quantity of rocks
. Multiple sweeps will catch more debris and smooth things out more evenly. I agree with tnau664 about creating windrows of debris. You could also remove alternating tine teeth on the rake in order to allow more dirt/debris to "pass" through the times while catching the larger rocks (I have not done that.). Jay
SkunkWerX
Platinum Member
If you are only going after the big rocks, you can remove every other tine, that will catch the rocks but help let some dirt spill through the back, might help alleviate piling up all your dirt while you rake the "Big boys" out.
With all tines installed it's guaranteed you'll be doing as much grading as raking.
But, if it's a fair price, go for it, the other alternatives for rock picking start getting expensive. If this is a one time deal, you could rent a Rockhound/Harley Rake, or even get a contractor in with one and be done with it.
With all tines installed it's guaranteed you'll be doing as much grading as raking.
But, if it's a fair price, go for it, the other alternatives for rock picking start getting expensive. If this is a one time deal, you could rent a Rockhound/Harley Rake, or even get a contractor in with one and be done with it.
OP
volunteer
Bronze Member
Thanks guys for info. Going to go this evening to look at. Will post back either way.
BarryinMN
Platinum Member
My opinion FWIW is a landscape rake for rocks is lousy.
Hard ground is better & the rocks will roll, and then roll right under the rake - a process similar to herding cats.
They have their uses, I use mine to smooth the gravel road & rebuild the drainage angles.
Every rock picking process I've tried takes some dirt with it. This year I picked up a 9' PTO powered rock windrower (a $300 treeline find) and a small skidsteer using a customized manure fork.
I think the gold standard for rock picking is a Haybuster. All-in-one combination windrower, picker/cleaner & dump wagon. Retails for $15K.
Good luck & remember rocks breed faster than rabbits!
Hard ground is better & the rocks will roll, and then roll right under the rake - a process similar to herding cats.
They have their uses, I use mine to smooth the gravel road & rebuild the drainage angles.
Every rock picking process I've tried takes some dirt with it. This year I picked up a 9' PTO powered rock windrower (a $300 treeline find) and a small skidsteer using a customized manure fork.
I think the gold standard for rock picking is a Haybuster. All-in-one combination windrower, picker/cleaner & dump wagon. Retails for $15K.
Good luck & remember rocks breed faster than rabbits!
rickmacheske
Gold Member
I agree. A landscape rake is lousy in getting rock out. The tines are way too wide. I always just end up pushing around a lot of dirt. Look into renting a harley rake.
jbrumberg
Elite Member
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2006
- Messages
- 4,903
- Location
- Cummington, MA
- Tractor
- New Holland TC29DA, John Deere D130
BarryinMN & rickmacheske:
What I failed to mention is how many rocks I pick by hand. It is still "back challenging" work- Jay
What I failed to mention is how many rocks I pick by hand
. It is still "back challenging" work- Jay
jbrumberg said:BarryinMN & rickmacheske:
What I failed to mention is how many rocks I pick by hand
That is how we do it in England
But we are silly enough to do big fields like it before we plant them for next years crop
OP
volunteer
Bronze Member
Well I went to look at it. It was attached to an 8N. The lift arm hitch pins were small, I think cat 1. My Ford 3930 is much larger, probably a Cat 2. I'll take some pics of mine tomorrow and see what cat type I have. I know on my bush hog I have to put sleeves over hitch pins in order to fit in 3 pt hitch. Anyway I passed for now until I find out more about rental charges for rock hound or if these can be modified inexpensively. I feel a sudden urge to visit Tractor Supply. Thanks again for all advice.
